Governor urges commercialisation of football

GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has canvassed prompt development of strategies to transform Nigerian football from being a recreational sport to business enterprise.

  Speaking when the leadership of the Nigerian National League (NNL) board paid him a courtesy visit in Ilorin, Ahmed stressed that such an interface would lead to the development of more employment opportunities and entrepreneurship through football.

  The Governor added that a more virile football culture will promote sound health, check criminal tendencies among youths and engender unity in the country.

  Ahmed assured the football administrators that his administration remained ready to support initiatives that will engender the transformation of football into business culture in the State.

 He commended the leadership of the NNL board for its efforts in running football more professionally with a charge that they devise strategies to ensure that more fans return to the stadia to watch football.

Speaking earlier, NNL Chairman, Emeka Inyama, commended the Kwara State Government for financing the state-owned club, Kwara United, in a manner that ensured its return to the premier league.

  Meanwhile, Kwara football fans have praised Governor Ahmed for upgrading the state’s stadium complex to world class standard.

 The fans, who marvelled at the artificial turf, drainage system, the floodlights, the state box and the seats at the stadium, described Ahmed’s vision as laudable.